4 Ways to Use the Preposition CON in Spanish

The word con translates to “with” and can be used in a few different ways in Spanish:

1. To express accompaniment, either physical or figurative, just like “with” in English.Ayer fui a la playa con Elena. – Yesterday I went to the Beach with Elena.¿Te gustaría ir al cine conmigo? – Would you like to go to the movies with me?

2. To express instrumentality, how something was doneCon las manos – with one’s handsCon el lápiz – with a pencilCon un martillo – with a hammer

3. For adverbial expressions of manner when combined with a nounHay que caminar con cuidado. – One must walk carefully.Ella siempre trabaja con prisa. – She always works in a hurry.

4. Verbs that are used with con
There are several verbs that are generally followed by con. The direct translations do not always make sense in English, but it is the correct use in Spanish.Acabar con – to put an end to, finish something offAmenezar con –to threaten withCasarse con – to marryComparar(se) con –to compare (oneself) toComprometerse con –to get engaged toContar con – to count onContentarse con – to be content withContribuir con – to contributeCumplir con – to comply with (duty or obligations)Encariñarse con –to get attached toEncontrarse con – to meet withEnfrentarse con – to confrontEnojarse con – to get angry atPreocuparse con – to worry aboutSoñar con – to dream ofTropezar con – to stumble over

“Preocuparse por” and “Preocuparse con” are both accepted by the Real Academia Española. Despite “preocuparse por” being most often used, we used “preocuparse con” in this particular post because it was focus on the uses of “con”. They are interchangeable.

“Preocuparse por” and “Preocuparse con” are both accepted by the Real Academia Española. Despite “preocuparse por” being most often used, we used “preocuparse con” in this particular post because it was focus on the uses of “con”. They are interchangeable.